Potholes form in wake of winter weather

But motorists could still find themselves facing one of the side effects of that winter weather -- an increase in potholes in roadways.

Potholes are common during the winter months when water seeps into cracks in the road and ice forms. Those cracks widen, causing the asphalt to rise and then traffic loosens the pavement, eventually creating a pothole.

Safety is the No. 1 priority at the Department of Transportation, state officials said.

With 80,000 miles of state roads, drivers, law enforcement and others are necessary in helping identify locations where potholes need to be repaired.

To speed up the response process, motorists should go to the DOT's website, www.ncdot.gov, under the contact section and let the department know where the pothole is located.

This report will go directly to the county maintenance office that will handle the request. In 2017, nearly 11,000 potholes were reported through this contact form.